Thursday, June 20, 2013

By Hermine Hull
Published: July 23, 2009

It seems like Christmas in our yard these past summer evenings, the fireflies more abundant than I ever remember. When Mike and I take our dogs out for their "last call," we are awestruck by the lights twinkling and flickering in the air. Fireflies recall the magic of our childhood summers, the magic of the unknown. I know I could look them up on the Internet or in some natural science textbook and learn the facts, but I prefer to stand quietly in the darkness and marvel at the points of light sparkling, one place then the next, for my entertainment.

The West Tisbury Book Sale opens July 31. Photo by CK Wolfson

Molly Finkelstein, who always does everything beautifully, set out a long picnic table in a fashion described by her husband, David, as a "Tuscan picnic." She and David hosted their extended family at their home last weekend, the dinner their last meal together as everyone prepared to catch the ferry and return to life as usual. In attendance were the following: Ellie and Steve Wise, their children, Anna, Henry, and Lili, all summer West Tisburyites; Alex, Amy, and Emma Finkelstein from Wellesley; Steve Wise's sister, Alicia, and her children, Bradley, Ethan, Katie, and Grace, from San Antonio, Tex.; Steve and Alicia's parents, Ed and Susan Wise, from Washington, D.C. The following morning, the hostess left as well. Molly went to Brimfield to buy antiques for her store, Nochi, in Vineyard Haven.

Library director Beth Kramer has just returned from the American Library Association's annual meeting, this year in Chicago. She attended several workshops, ranging from materials for teenagers to current and future trends in technology, and did some shopping, particularly for software that would enable patrons to download audio books. She also told me we have been approved for a 2010 $10,000 federal Reader's Advisory Grant, that includes databases and staff training to better serve patrons. Beginning July 27, Beth will attend a four-day Massachusetts Libraries Leadership Conference at Wheaton College in Norton.

At the library this evening at 5 pm, Sydell Rabin will speak and sign copies of her book, "The Complete Mother of the Groom." Friday, July 24, the J.C. Jazz Trio will perform at 4 pm. Leslie Prosterman conducts her second poetry workshop Monday, July 27, at 7 pm. Wednesday afternoon at 5 pm, Tom Dresser will discuss and sign his new book, "In My Life."

Don't forget the Friends Annual Book Sale begins July 31 at the West Tisbury School.

Ben, Nicole, Violet Cabot, and Henry Warner spent a pleasant Sunday afternoon off-Island attending a PawSox game. At $10 a ticket, with free parking, it is much more affordable than a Red Sox game in Boston. Nicole said the park was very kid-friendly. The kids had their pictures taken with the team mascot and lowered baseballs in pails to the dugout for players to sign. Best of all, the PawSox broke their eight-game losing streak, beating the Indians AAA team.

Bruce Haynes celebrated his 40th birthday with his nearest and dearest at a party given by his parents, Bill and Betty. Everyone was grateful for the Haynes's pool to cool off in, especially all the kids. Food was great, the cake was chocolate with strawberries, and Bruce was given a bicycle, a gift he requested so he can ride with his kids. All in all, a happy birthday.

Morgan Estrella, son of Manny and Jessica, turns seven today. He has big plans for his special day, including a trip to the Game Room and pizza for dinner. His birthday cake is to have black frosting and look like a hockey puck. That should be a challenge, one I'm sure will be met and will be delicious. Happy birthday, Morgan.

Happy birthday wishes to Ted Mayhew on July 20, Galya Walt on July 22, my husband, Mike, on July 24, and Claire Chalfoun on July 26.

July 24 is opening night for Leslie Baker's oil paintings and studies at Shaw Cramer Gallery, 6 to 8 pm.

I was interested to see that the Martha's Vineyard Financial Group (Martha's Vineyard Savings Bank) is sponsoring a Summer Brown Bag Lunch series. Light lunch and discussion of a different financial topic take place at 12 noon every Wednesday at the Public Safety Building. Upcoming topics include Women and Investing, IRA and Health Savings Accounts, and Financial Planning Tools. There is no charge. Space is limited, so call 508-693-8850 to reserve space. For year-rounders who can't attend during the summer, another series is planned for the off-season.

The fields appear pink and gold, with bright green new growth beginning to replenish the recently cut hay. Tilled rows make patterns in the earth, dark pink in the sun, running into distant hedgerows.